Online Class: ABCs of Physics

This introductory course covers all the fundamentals of Physics, and is comprehensive enough for students already familiar with the subject.

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19

Lessons
57

Exams &
Assignments
24

Hours
average time
2.4

CEUs

Course Description

Welcome to the world of Physics! Here, we will explore the natural laws of how the universe operates. This introductory course covers all the fundamentals of Physics, and is comprehensive enough for students already familiar with the subject. Join now, and together we'll learn about momentum and energy, force and motion, gravity, particles, the five states of matter, temperature and heat, sound waves, electricity, magnetism, and light.

Today, much of technology and our lifestyles are brought to us by the laws of Physics, yet surprisingly, most people don't understand the fundamentals. Acoustics, astronomy, electromagnetism, electronics, nuclear power, optics, nanotechnology are just a few of the industries requiring an understanding of Physics.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Applied Statistics 101

Course Motivation

Introduction to Physics:

The world we live in is complex and complicated, but, above all, ordered and generally predictable.

When we throw a ball up in the air, it falls back down. An ice cube sitting on a table melts. These are but two everyday events that the Laws of Physics can explain and predict.

Physics is the science of matter, energy, and forces. An interdisciplinary science, physics uses the tools of mathematics, biology, and chemistry to study natural phenomena.

Physicists will likely solve some of the biggest problems facing society today, such as the energy crisis. It is important that you, as a world citizen, have an understanding of the basic principles and applications of physics so you can understand and evaluate scientific news events and issues.

Physical science encompasses many fields and disciplines that are of great
importance and interest including thermodynamics, nanotechnology, optics, particle physics, lasers, astrophysics, and atomic physics.

This course will introduce you to many of the concepts of physics including measurement, momentum, gravity, electricity, electromagnetic waves, particles, heat, and light.

While everyone can benefit from an understanding of physics, Introduction to Physics is ideal for the scientifically inclined person. There are no course prerequisites, but some understanding of math and algebra is required.

So if you are ready to increase your understand of the world we live in, dont delay! Enroll now and get started!

Course Highlights and Review:

Introduction to Physics is ideal for the self-starter with a basic understanding of math and algebra. The class is self-paced, so you can work as slowly or quickly as your schedule allows.

While the course offers a great deal of freedom, instructor Bennett is often available to answer questions and provide assistance. In addition, you can interact with your instructor and fellow classmates in the Class Forums.

Students of the Introduction to Physics will learn the basic principles and concepts of physics that everyone should know and understand. The six general areas covered are:

5 Stages of Matter
Particle Physics

Properties of Waves

Magnetism

Electricity

Laws of Motion

In addition to these basic concepts, you will also study real-world applications of physics and the current issues and topics in physics research.

This online class is organized into nineteen lessons, each with a general theme and several related subtopics. Each lesson has an easy to follow outline format that guides you through the learning process. For example, Lesson II covers the Mechanics of Measurement and has eleven subtopics labeled A through K; Lesson III covers Momentum and Energy and has five subtopics labeled A through E; and so on.

At the end of each lesson, you will complete a 25-50 question exam that tests your mastery of the subject matter contained in the lesson. Each lesson exam tests only the material covered in that particular lesson. You will need to score at least 70% on each exam to pass and proceed to the next lesson.

While many people consider physics to be a difficult discipline, Introduction to Physics presents the material in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. With a little hard work and perseverance, you will soon unlock many of the mysteries of the Universe.

Such understanding will make you a more educated and informed person, and will benefit you in your everyday life and decision-making.

A whole new world awaits. With a flexible schedule and an expert instructor, Introduction to Physics has eliminated all your excuses. Enroll now and begin your quest for knowledge and understanding of the physical world!

Completely Online
Self-Paced
6 Months to Complete
24/7 Availability
Start Anytime
PC & Mac Compatible
Android & iOS Friendly
Accredited CEUs

Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider

Course Lessons

Lesson 1. Introduction to Physics

The more advanced and complex our society becomes, the greater our need for a variety of different types of energy sources. In simpler times, energy was something derived from rubbing two sticks together to create fire. 58 Total Points

Lesson discussions: Physics in Your Future?
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment 1: Navigation Before Netscape
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment 2: Energy Forces
Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Mechanics of Measurement

Despite the vast array of specializations that presently exist, covering everything from acoustics to thermal dynamics, physicists, regardless of their area of expertise, utilize a core continuum of practices. 78 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment 1: Newton's Mechanics
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment 2: Processing Theories
Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Momentum and Energy

Momentum can be defined as 'mass in motion'. This is equally true, for all objects have mass, hence, if an object is in motion then it has momentum, and if it has momentum, by and large, it is 'mass in motion.' 68 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment 1: Ratios
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment 2: Newton's Laws
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. Force and Motion (Newton's Laws of Motion)

Back in the late 1600s, Sir Isaac Newton, one of the most notable scientists and mathematicians in history published his now legendary 'Laws of Motion' in his book entitled, Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica. Since, the laws form the foundation 88 Total Points

Lesson discussions: You're the Expert
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment 1: Laws, Laws, Laws
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment 2: Explanation, Please
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Gravity

Whatever goes up, must come down. This famous statement refers to the basic tenets of gravity, hence, an explanation as to why objects fall to the Earth. 68 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment 1: What Goes Up Must Come Down
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment 2: Friction Forces
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. Systems of Many Particles

With respect to objects of noticeable size, we work with them by envisioning that they are made up of numerous smaller pieces, these are referred to as 'particles.' 76 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment 1: One Way or Another
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment 2: Finding Center
Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. Solids

You have probably studied or learned about solids as they relate to chemistry, but when applied to physics, the subject of solids focuses more on the bulk matter as opposed to the individual particles that comprise it. 98 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment 2: Character Traits
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment 1: What is a Solid?
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Gases and Liquids

In the previous chapter, we touched upon the three (well, primarily there are three) states in which a substance can be found: solid, liquid, and gas. 82 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment 1: Matter of State
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment 2: Torricelli's Reasoning
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. Temperature and Heat

Temperature is a central component in physics. In short, within physics, the transfer of energy, internally, from one part of substance to another, or, externally, from one body to another occurs on account of differences in temperature. 100 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment 1: Temperature's Rising
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment 2: Measuring Temperature
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. Energy, Work, and Heat (Thermodynamics at work)

We cited the differences between heat and temperature, listed and described the range of measurement scales available to track temperature, and identified the different states (phases) substances which may be found based upon temperature factors and press 88 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment 1: Laws of Energy
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment 2: TD Systems
Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. Wave Motion

Waves can be found anywhere and everywhere. Consider for a moment several commonly found examples: sound waves (discussed in greater detail in the subsequent chapter), light waves, radio waves (frequency), telecommunication waves, and microwaves. 80 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment 1: Ebb & Tide
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment 2: Wave Appearence
Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. Sound Waves

Fundamentally speaking, sound is a mechanical wave. Our ears have then been constructed as conduits for such waves, meaning that they serve as receivers for the mechanical waves transmitted through the air from a specified point of origin. 70 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment 2: Measure That
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment 1: Electromagnetics vs. Mechanical
Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13. Static Electricity

Defined as the state in which electrical charges build up on the surface of a material, 'Static Electricity' received its name due to the lack of a flowing current. 70 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment 1: Jolting Attraction
Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment 2: Defining a Charge
Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14. Electrical Induction

Prior to even beginning to broach the subject of electrical induction, we first will need to define the individual components which comprise the state referred to as 'electrical induction.' 66 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment 1: Principles of Induction
Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment 2: Electrical Impulses
Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15. Electrical Current

The scientific definition of 'electrical current' includes the concept of speed, meaning the rate at which the charge is moving (flow) through the channel. 80 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment 1: Currents Rock
Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment 2: Current Usage
Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16. Electromagnetic Waves

Both electricity (your hair sticking straight up) and magnetism (a refrigerator magnet) can be static. However, when the two change or come together, they form specific types of waves known as electromagnetic waves. 58 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 16 Assignment 1: Fields of Attraction
Complete: Lesson 16 Assignment 2: Wave Length
Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17. Magnetic Effects of Current

Not only do electric currents flow through the universe but magnetic currents do, as well. 60 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 17 Assignment 1: May the Force be With You
Complete: Lesson 17 Assignment 2: Magnetic Fields
Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam

Lesson 18. Quantum Nature of Light

Whereas physics attempts to describe the rules as they apply to movement and matter; quantum physics tries to explain the behavior of even smaller particles in combination with movement. Such particles include things like electrons, protons, and neutrons. 108 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 18 Assignment 1: Quantum Rules
Complete: Lesson 18 Assignment 2: Light Theory
Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam

Lesson 19. Light as a Wave

While we touched on the nature of light, the varying types which exist in the electromagnetic spectrum and, even delved a bit into the idea of light as a wave, we kept the crux of our discussion on the first two rather than heavily focusing on the last. 86 Total Points

Lesson discussions: What do you think about this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Complete: Lesson 19 Assignment 1: Positively Glowing
Complete: Lesson 19 Assignment 2: Trip the Light Fantastic
Assessment: Lesson 19 Exam

1482

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Describe the importance of mechanics in measurement.
Identify momentum and energy.
Summarize Newton's Laws of Motions.
Understand the concepts behind gravity.
Describe systems of many particles.
Identify solids.
Identify gases and liquids.
Identify and describe temperature and heat.
Summarize thermodynamics and evaluate energy, work, and heat.
Describe wave motion.
Describe sound waves.
Identify and describe static electricity.
Identify and describe electrical induction, electrical current, and electromagnetic waves.
Summarize the magnetic effects of current.
Describe the quantum nature of light.
Describe light as both a wave and a particle.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Student Testimonials

"I very much enjoyed the class, some parts of physics are no longer a secret to me!" -- Cindy H.
"All the lessons were written such that I, lacking any prior physics knowledge, had no difficulty understanding the subject matter discussed." -- Cindy H.
"The instructor was very prompt on grading my exams and getting the results back to me. I am very glad that I took this course." -- Rodney C.
"I was completely in the dark about physics and was a little nervous about tackleing this subject. Now I have a lot better understanding. " -- Rodney C.
"I am generally well-pleased with the course." -- Michael D.